Past and Potential Theory for Special Warfare Operational Art: People's War and Contentious Politics
Abstract
In the context of escalating instability in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Africa, special warfare may offer policymakers a valuable strategic option. To succeed, however, special warfare campaigns that apply operational art must be founded upon distinct and sound theories of war and warfare. This monograph argues that from 1952-1965, the US Army Special Forces developed two theories of special warfare, one of guerilla warfare and one of insurgency (revolutionary war). Special Forces' institutional theory of insurgency, an adaptation of Mao Zedong's theory of people's war, remains a primary framework for special warfare operational artists. Furthermore, this monograph contends that a synthetic academic theory of contentious politics provides a more sophisticated theory of insurgency that has potential value for future applications of special warfare operational art.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 04, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1001477
Entities
People
- Nathanael E. Joslyn
Organizations
- School of Advanced Military Studies